My New Year CPF Routine (2026)

Happy 2026 everyone!

As most of you are aware, I have a CPF routine that I go through every New Year. You can read the same for 2025 here. It has become a small personal ritual over the years. It is not exciting, but it keeps me disciplined and intentional about my retirement planning.

Every January, these are the CPF-related things I will always do.

Check my CPF account on the CPF App

On the morning of 1st January, I log in to the CPF App to check my accounts.

The first thing I look out for is the CPF interest credited. It still feels good every single year. Seeing the interest quietly compound across all three accounts is a reminder of why CPF works well as a long-term safety net. Really grateful again for the 5 figure interest from CPF.

It is not get-rich-quick money, but it is sleep-well-at-night money.

Top up my Special Account (SA) last time

In earlier years, I would top up my Special Account early in January to enjoy tax relief and start earning interest as soon as possible.

Since I have already hit my Full Retirement Sum (FRS) some years ago, I am no longer able to top up my SA. This step is skipped for me now, but it is still something I strongly encourage younger readers to consider while they can.

Starting early makes a big difference.

Top up my Mum’s Retirement Account (RA)

This is something I try to do every year if I have spare cash.

Topping up my Mum’s RA helps to improve her CPF payouts and also provides tax relief for myself. With the Matching Retirement Savings Scheme (MRSS), eligible seniors can receive government matching on top of cash top-ups.

Although part of the top-up may not qualify for tax relief, the matching still makes it attractive.
Yes, the money is locked up. However, since my Mum has already started her CPF payouts, these top-ups help to offset part of the monthly allowance I give her anyway.

Fortunately I managed to save the money needed to top up my Mum's MA again in 2026.

Top up my Medisave Account (MA) for tax relief

Since I can no longer top up my SA, Medisave has become my main CPF top-up option for tax relief.

Each year, the Basic Healthcare Sum (BHS) increases slightly. I usually top up early in January before my employer’s CPF contribution comes in around mid-month. This allows me to maximise the allowable top-up and enjoy the full tax relief.

This year I had already topped up $3,500 to my MA account on 1 Jan 2026.

Update the CPF calculator with the latest CPF figures

Next I will update the CPF calculator with the latest FRS and BHS numbers.

Thank you to readers who highlight changes or remind me when updates are due. I am glad that this simple CPF forecast calculator has helped some of you plan your retirement better.

The CPF had been updated on 1 Jan 2026 as well.

Run my CPF forecast using the Value Warrior CPF calculator

I update my latest CPF balances and run a forecast to see roughly how much CPF I may have when I reach age 65.

After the updates, I will head over to the Value Warrior CPF calculator.

Seeing the numbers grow year after year gives me confidence that my CPF is steadily moving me closer to retirement readiness.